Take a shot at $50,000 in prizes in the People First Bank Photographic Awards

Previously known as the Heritage Bank Photographic Awards, the competition returns in 2024 with the new brand being introduced following Heritage’s merger with People’s Choice last year.

What hasn’t changed is the same massive prize pool, free entry and categories for all ages and experience levels.

Entrants can take a shot at winning two prizes of $15,000 each in the two major categories:

• The Open category for any subject
• This year’s Themed category of ‘Connection’.

Also up for grabs are prizes of $5,000 each in the following categories:

• CEO’s Choice
• Mobile Phone Award
• Illustrative category for digitally manipulated images.

There are also three Youth categories available: 9 years or younger, 10-13, and 14-17.

Now in its 36th year, the awards are one of most rewarding and diverse in the country, designed to encourage photographers of all ages and skill levels to take part.

People First Bank CEO Steve Laidlaw said the awards were an important part of the organisation’s strong commitment to communities.

“We’re very proud of what the awards achieved under the Heritage banner, and we’re excited about its next chapter with People First Bank,” Mr Laidlaw said.

“Our support for many community initiatives and organisations – including these awards – reflect our passion for strengthening communities and creating positive impact.

“We’ve made the awards as accessible and inclusive as possible through free entry and categories for people across Australia.

“Kids, adults, beginners, professionals… there’s something for everyone. All you need is a mobile phone or camera and you could be in the running for a share of $50,000.”

Mr Laidlaw said this year’s Theme category of ‘Connection’ offered the perfect opportunity for people to unleash their creative talents and interpretations.

“Every image tells a story, and the awards celebrate the moments that inspire us and the different ways we see the world.”

Entries in this year’s awards close at 1:00pm AEST on 27 September 2024. Winners will be notified on 28 October 2024 and finalist images will feature in exhibitions held in Toowoomba and Adelaide at a later date.

Summary of main prizes on offer: 

• $15,000 for overall winner of the Open category
• $15,000 for overall winner of the Theme category
• $5,000 for the winner of the Illustrative category
• $5,000 for the best image taken on a mobile phone
• $5,000 for the CEO’s Choice
• And more!

Full details of the awards are available at peoplefirstphotoawards.com.au